"Why did you get surrounded?" Li Xin asked.

"It wasn’t us who got surrounded. We were there to find the boss to investigate the case, and the workers surrounded him. That guy is such a bastard, even at this point, he’s still withholding their wages!" Lu Shuai couldn’t help but curse.

"How did you resolve it?" Li Xin was curious.

"We were all surrounded at the time; the workers thought we were with the boss. I was ready to fight, but Miss Tang held back. She shouted that she was a descendant of the Grand Governor, here to ensure justice, and that calmed the crowd down." Lu Shuai’s lips turned up as he said this, "I managed to control a situation that even the Night Patrol couldn’t handle."

"I said I was a representative from the North District and a descendant of Governor Luthor, here to deal with the matter and asked them to give me some time. They actually dispersed." Lu Shuai said while eating. "I talked to the boss and told him to pay the workers their overdue wages, otherwise we’d complain to the Council and shut him down. Not only that, but we’d make sure he can’t survive in Dragon Capital!"

"And then?"

"Of course, the boss obeyed. I know how to deal with people like this; scare tactics work well. After that, Miss Tang was questioning people and wouldn’t let me listen." Lu Shuai said.

Li Xin gave a thumbs-up, "You were pretty cool this time!"

Lu Shuai put down his chopsticks and sighed, "Isn’t Hex-Tech supposed to make people’s lives better? How did it end up like this?"

The Li Long Kingdom indeed became strong and prosperous, abolishing slavery and improving the lives of many at the bottom. This was all thanks to Grand Governor Luthor, something he had always been proud of.

"It’s a complex social issue. The nation has grown stronger, but the gap between people remains large, perhaps even larger. Slavery was abolished, but ’slaves’ haven’t disappeared; they just took on a different form. Most people at the bottom still struggle, sacrificing their time and lives to support the lavish lifestyles of a few."

"Then why do they stay in the Underground City, working as miners? Can’t they find better opportunities elsewhere, where at least they’re free?" Lu Shuai was a bit puzzled.

"Do you think they don’t want to?" Li Xin put down his chopsticks. "Dragon Capital and Celestial Capital are already relatively fair places; elsewhere, it’s even harder. Urbanization means the concentration of policies and resources, and cities need a lot of labor. It’s an opportunity, but they worry that too many low-quality populations will affect their quality of life, so they’re artificially pushed to the city’s edges. It’s not much better than being a slave. They’re here not for themselves, but for that slim chance their next generation can enter the city. Leaving big cities like Dragon Capital and Celestial Capital means even less hope."

Lu Shuai put down his chopsticks, "Are you saying Hex-Tech’s progress is wrong?"

"Of course not. Technological advancement and increased productivity are indeed progress and have altered social relations and systems to some extent, but current social relations are still backward," Li Xin said, "That’s the duty of a representative. A good representative should have their own political views. Perhaps you should think about this issue."

Lu Shuai stared blankly at Li Xin, thought for a moment, and said, "You mean that vested interests have gained more from Hex-Tech’s reforms. While it changed life to some extent, the essence remains unchanged."

"Wisdom, General!" Li Xin said, "To change this situation, they need to cough up some."

"Brother Li, you’re suggesting things that even Luthor wouldn’t dare do. Who am I to talk?" Lu Shuai spread his hands helplessly.

Lu Shuai had studied the man since he was young, from life experiences to Hex-Tech reforms. After entering the quiet Canon Law School, he paid attention to some things from the Celestial Principle School, feeling they were similar to the Grand Governor’s reform strategies. It was particularly pretentious to talk about Celestial Principle Study combined with his identity as the Grand Governor’s descendant, so he really studied it hard. This trick nearly always worked in the Canon Law School, but the more he understood, the more confused his mind got, so he tried not to overthink.

"Brother Li, we’re just a Night Patrolman and a Canon Law School student. Taking care of ourselves is good enough. National matters are for the Grand Governor and the Cabinet to worry about; let’s think of something light and happy!" Lu Shuai gestured, usually fond of discussing political affairs and pointing fingers at the landscape, but now he dared not delve deeper.

"Did Tang Yinxiao say anything about the flaying case?" Li Xin asked with a smile.

"Not much. She seemed unwilling to discuss case details. The workers didn’t care about the dead; they seemed used to it. In such an environment, it’s difficult to live well." Lu Shuai sighed softly, now completely calm, all grievances gone. He suddenly understood why Tang Chendan was willing to explain to the workers patiently, "Aren’t you also Silver Owl?"

"I’m responsible for other cases." Li Xin finished his meal.

"Brother Li, I’m just saying, it’s quite unfair of you Night Patrolmen to put a girl in the front on such cases."

"I also agree with you, but Tang Yinxiao isn’t just any girl; she’s quite skilled at handling things."

Thinking about the miners’ living conditions and the flaying case made Lu Shuai’s scalp tingle a little, "I’ll try to mention improving workers’ treatment at the North District Lower Council. No guarantee it’ll work, but let’s not talk about this stuff on a weekend. Let’s go out this afternoon; I invited Huerta and found a treasure coffee shop. It’s quite special."

"I have something to do this afternoon."

"No matter how busy, it won’t hurt to take some time. However you spend it, today is a day; today is a rest day. Work is just work, not life," Lu Shuai said, "Just for coffee. Tonight I have other plans, can’t accompany you guys."

Li Xin felt what Lu Shuai said made sense. He’d been writing since early morning, for about seven or eight hours, and his efficiency would surely drop in the afternoon. Plus, just mentioning coffee made Li Xin a bit tempted.

After the meal, Lu Shuai changed into his casual clothes kept in the carriage, sent his dirty clothes back with the coachman, as the afternoon wasn’t suitable for formal attire.

He and Li Xin hailed another carriage to a newly opened, renowned café called "Sacred Light Gospel" in Dragon Capital. The owner came from the southern Mosel Kingdom of the Dao Yuan Continent, known for its coffee beans, beef, and minerals. During the Grand Governor’s time, Mosel Kingdom and Li Long United Kingdom established a rather good relationship.

The Mosel Kingdom worships the Fiery Sun Church, and the best coffee-growing estate there is Guixia Manor.

"The Guixia coffee at this place is definitely top-notch. It’s said to be picked by young girls, and they have a Priest bless the coffee beans with a ritual, making them the finest sun-dried beans for blessings, so the flavor is extraordinarily rich and mellow. Drinking it warms you up, a winter delicacy."

Lu Shuai had a hard time booking a spot and planned to bring Miss Tang along next time. With the Night Patrol so busy, she should enjoy coffee.

In the winter, enjoying a steamy cup of coffee with the beautiful Miss Tang was marvelous. It warms the body, warms the heart, dispelling any gray shadows.

"Can you stop grinning like that? It’s just us two in the carriage."

"Haha, Brother Li, you’re jealous. Just so you know, I’ve started pursuing Miss Tang. When I asked you before, you said you weren’t interested. We’re good brothers, don’t go behind my back!" Lu Shuai said.